Social worker struck off on grounds of conviction

Social worker struck off

Khush Thapar (SW52041) has been struck off the HCPC Register on the grounds of conviction whilst registered as a social worker with the HCPC.

A panel of the HCPTS heard that Mrs Thapar was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of furnishing false information relating in accounts. She was sentenced to 16 weeks custody, suspended for two years.

The Panel further heard that Mrs Thapar’s conviction related to her receipt of direct payments to cover her assessed needs related to her physical health whilst working for Croydon Council. It was discovered that a sum of £6,365 was received dishonestly.

Panel Chair P Geering commented:

“The conviction is serious. It is an allegation of dishonesty and is so serious that it has the potential of undermining public confidence in the profession if no action were taken.”

The Panel ordered for the name of Khush Thapar to be struck off the HCPC Register.

Mrs Thapar was present at the hearing but was unrepresented.

-ENDS-Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Care Professions Council is an independent regulator set up by the Health and Social Work Professions Order 2001. The HCPC keeps a register for 16 different health and care professions and only registers people who meet the standards it sets for their training, professional skills, behaviour and health. The HCPC will take action against professionals who do not meet these standards or who use a protected title illegally.

2. The Health and Care Professions Tribunal Service (HCPTS) is the fitness to practise adjudication service of the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Although it is part of the HCPC, the distinct identity of the HCPTS seeks to emphasise that hearings are conducted and managed by independent Panels which are at arm's length from the HCPC. https://www.hcpts-uk.org/aboutus/roleofhcptribunalservice

5. Anyone can contact us and raise a concern about a professional on our Register. This includes members of the public, employers, the police and other professionals. For more information visit www.hcpc-uk.org/complaints

6. The HCPC currently regulates the following 16 professions. Each of these professions has one or more ‘protected titles’. Anyone who uses one of these titles must register with the HCPC. To see the full list of protected titles please see www.hcpc-uk.org/aboutregistration/protectedtitlesArts therapistsBiomedical scientistsChiropodists / podiatristsClinical scientistsDietitiansHearing aid dispensersOccupational therapistsOperating department practitionersOrthoptistsParamedicsPhysiotherapistsPractitioner psychologistsProsthetists / orthotistsRadiographersSocial workers in EnglandSpeech and language therapists

7. The HCPC regulates social workers in England. Social workers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are separately regulated by the relevant Care Council in that country.

8. Registrants can appeal the panel’s decision. Appeals are made directly to the High Court in England or Wales, the Court of Session in Scotland or the High Court of Justice in Northern Ireland. Appeals must be made within 28 days of when the Notice of Decision and Order is served. The Panel’s order does not take effect until the appeal period has expired or the appeal has concluded.